The family of a Huntington
County woman who has made
national headlines in the past
for protesting a pipeline is
speaking out again tonight.
This time after being sentenced
to jail.
Help is starting to pour in
from across the country.
Ellen Gerhart was
sentenced to serve up to six
months behind bars after
violating in order to stay off
her own property.
The judge ordered her to stop
interfering with crews working
on a pipeline.
I spoke with the family today
and they told me it has gone
too far.
"A judge said she
has continued to interfere with
the Sunoco Logistics pipeline
project that goes through the
family land."
Along the property, the first
sign as he speaks out against
the pipeline project.
The family has been protesting
the construction since 2015.
The project is still being done
on three acres of their
property.
"It has gone so far that the
government threw her in jail.
For what?
To protect a $50 billion
corporation."
That is Ellen's
daughter.
She also protected the project.
She lived in trees to prevent
workers from cutting them down.
Allegations have again surfaced
against Ellen.
Her family would not confirm or
deny the allegation.
"My wife wouldn't hurt a spider
on the ground there."
He parent company
of Sunoco said they are pleased
that the judge took action.
The activities were placing
employees and contractors at
risk.
In the meantime, a go fund me
page has raised more than
$14,000 to help them with legal
fees.
Since the sentencing, thousands
of activists have signed a
petition to free her from jail.